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Native Plant Database

Search for native plants by scientific name, common name or family. If you are not sure what you are looking for, try the Combination Search or our Recommended Species lists.

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Smilax rotundifolia L.

Roundleaf greenbrier

Smilacaceae (Greenbrier Family)

USDA Symbol: SMRO

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

Listed as a threatened species by SARA (Species at Risk ). It is found in Ontario between Niagara and Windsor.

Numerous birds and animals eat common greenbrier fruits. The persistent
fruits are an important late winter and early spring food for wintering
birds including northern cardinals and white-throated sparrows.

Common greenbrier is a pioneer species that forms impenetrable thickets of prickly branches which creates good cover for small mammals and birds. (USDA)

 

From the Image Gallery

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Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Shrub
Leaf: Green
Autumn Foliage: yes
Flower:
Fruit:

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Green , Brown

Distribution

USA: AL , AR , CT , DC , DE , FL , GA , IA , IL , IN , KS , KY , LA , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , MO , MS , NC , NH , NJ , NY , OH , OK , PA , RI , SC , SD , TN , TX , VA , WV
Canada: NS , ON
Native Habitat: Forest,Woodland
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N)

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Medium
Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade , Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
CaCO3 Tolerance: Low

Benefit

Warning: Thorns or prickles.
Attracts: Birds

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:

Pineywoods Native Plant Center - Nacogdoches, TX

From the Archive

Wildflower Newsletter 1994 VOL. 11, NO.6 - Wildflower Center Featured Non-Profit in Neiman Marcus Christmas Book, Dana Leav...

Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Smilax rotundifolia in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Smilax rotundifolia in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Smilax rotundifolia

Metadata

Record Modified: 2007-01-01
Research By: TWC Staff

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